Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Ariana Grande’s exit from the London production of Sunday in the Park with George has reportedly left theatre bosses in a “terrible mess”.
The 33-year-old pop star had been due to lead the cast of Sunday in the Park with George alongside her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey at London’s Barbican Centre next summer but she has confirmed she’s pulled out of the show and is planning to take an extended break from work.
However, the Daily Mail newspaper reports Empire Street Productions – the company producing the stage show – was told about her decision just an hour before the public announcement and her departure has left them scrambling to keep the project on track.
A source told the publication: “There have been ongoing discussions [about the production] because there was a lot of [online discussion] around Ariana, but she was excited to do this show and rehearsals don’t start until 2027.
“The Barbican was informed at 8pm on Sunday. It was all very sudden and has left them in a terrible mess. It is their most expensive theatrical project ever, and all involved are absolutely gutted. They feel for Ariana … There were promotion plans in place, with magazine covers lined up. But in any theatre production, you have to consider something like this could happen.”
Bailey will continue in his role and theatre bosses hope to announce a replacement for Ariana in due course.
The insider added: “He was always the key player in this: Ariana wanted the role of Dot alongside him. Jonathan and Ariana were excited to do it together.
“They have become incredibly close. It wouldn’t surprise me if Jonathan had found out before the Barbican did.”
Barbican bosses confirmed their plans to plough ahead with the show in a statement in which they declared leaving the project must have been a difficult decision for the pop star.
The statement read: “Following the announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.”
Ariana confirmed she will be taking a break from the spotlight after she completes her Eternal Sunshine Tour, saying in a statement: “Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.
“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.
“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
A source previously told New York Post column PageSix Ariana’s decision was partly due to her hectic work schedule, saying: “She’s been happy performing her recent shows and being back on stage, but she’s been overworked. She’s been nonstop and it’s taking a toll.”
Ariana has since opened up about her decision during a show in Chicago, Illinois this week, telling the audience: “So basically, the announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing.
“It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place …
“Many things can be true at the same time. I want to share this because I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but I just have to say that could not be more the f*** opposite.
“Honestly, this is not what that is. And I just want to be very, very clear: Multiple things can be true at the same time. Yes, boundaries, they need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes.
“And also, this can be and will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.”
